- August 6, 2017
- Posted by: 10x Team
- Category: Public Advisory
VIDEO GAMING ADDICTION AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN
[ Characteristics, Effects and Measures ]
Home video game consoles existed way back in the 1970s. They had video arcade machines where quarters (coins) need to be deposited, game consoles were introduced in the 1980s, personal computers and home consoles came in the 1990s. In the early 2000s, consoles came with improved graphics and online connectivity resulting in even greater popularity. Today, video gaming is a multi-billion-dollar industry attracting billions of children and adults alike; and enjoy the thrill and action that comes with it. It could be played through online websites, handheld devices, smartphones, or even on the television.
Some of these people get addicted to the process of gaming and play for many hours each day; while neglecting their vital aspects of life such as health, relationships, jobs, and others. Unfortunately, the risk for excessive use is increasing; especially in school-going children. It is important to recognize that video game addiction has negative effects close to drug or alcohol addiction. Some studies suggest that video gaming is taking over the young minds of children altogether. It alters a person’s mood and tolerance level.
CHARACTERISTICS OF VIDEO GAME ADDICTION
- Children assume that video games are real and have real life impact; which makes them aggressive.
- They never socialize and interact with friends and families; but prefer to play video games.
- Skip necessary activities like meals, shower, etc.
- Not going out in the open to play with friends.
- Playing video games for long period of time.
- School grades go low and perform poorly at studies.
- Shouting, being angry or throwing tantrums if not allowed to play their video games.
- They get anxious when a new game is anticipated to be released or to play them.
SOME OF THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF VIDEO GAME ADDICTION
- Increased risk of ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
- Learning disabilities.
- Slowed responses.
- Risk of light-induced seizures from video games.
- Musculoskeletal disorders from sitting for prolonged periods of time.
- Weight gain.
- Aggressive thoughts and behaviors.
STEPS TO ADDRESS OR CONTROL VIDEO GAME ADDICTION IN CHILDREN
- It is suggested that children should not spend more than one hours to pay video games per day.
- After the allocated one hour of video gaming is done, get them to go outdoor and play.
- Try to keep a log of the times they play video games and also note their state of mind just before they start playing; like if the child was sad, bored, angry, depressed, etc. Addressing the cause could get your child out of this addiction.
- When not allowed to play video games or when the play time is over, if your child shows anger or throws tantrums, place stricter and lower time allocation for their video play time.
- Reward your children if they themselves reduce their allocation playing time.
- However, do not make the video game time be the reward for any assignments they complete.
- To reduce anxiety, it is advisable to engage them in relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Do not install a game console, computer or television in your children’s bedrooms.
MEASURES TO REDUCE SECURITY RISK ON ONLINE VIDEO GAMING
One of the direct consequence of online gaming is the creation of personal accounts and these can be the target of malicious hacking. Personal information like your address, credit card details, phone numbers, bank account, date of birth and others can be stolen and misused.
Parents could follow the following to address / control such security issues.
- Review account details while signing up online for gaming. Even though they ask for your real name, address and birthdate, ask yourself if the game really need this information. It is advised to set up a separate email account for game registration; separate from personal email accounts that contains contact information and verification information.
- Avoid visiting unverified sites or downloading third-party software from unknown sources.
- Unless you are purchasing, do not link your credit or debit card details to a gaming account.
- Install reliable security software like anti-virus and spam detection that can also detect malicious links and spam.
DIGITAL EYE-STRAIN
[ Amended to the above primary article in May 2021 ]
Source: Dr. Ambili K.P. (MBBS, MS) – Ophthalmologist – Malabar Eye Hospital, India.
As you know, during the current COVID-19 pandemic since the start of the year 2020, most of the people in the world and mainly children are confined to their homes for work and online classes. This leads them to be using and focusing on their computer or digital screens for long hours. This is similar to a child or person engaged in playing video games.
In normal situation, our eyes focusses on different objects at different distances all the time. However, in terms of using digital devices for long time, our eyes are focussed at one distance for long which caused strain to our eye muscles. Digital Eye-Strain is the strain and difficulty caused to our eyes when concentrating on something continuously for two hours or more.
Digital eye-strain would cause eye aches, headaches, double-vision, low vision, during in the eyes, watering eyes, etc. It could cause short-sightedness and worsen the situation for people who already has it. Also it can reduce our eye’s blink-rate to about less then 10 blinks per minute – usually it is 15 to 20 blinks per minute. This will reduce our eye’s tear film health and cause dryness. Not to mention the blue-rays emitted from these devices will effect our sleep pattern; especially when used during the night.
To a level, we can reduce the digital eye-strain by following the below practices
1. Ensure the lighting of the room is in line with the screen lighting.
2. Room light should not be directly in front of you or behind you that hits the screen.
3. Use a glass with anti-glare-reflective coating.
4. Adjust the distance between the devices and your eyes – suggested a 33 cm distance for mobile, 66 cm for computer / laptops and 8-10 feet for television.
5. Good posture while sitting with back straight and arms rested on the table. Suggested that the screen be about 20 degreed below the eye level.
6. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. That is, after using the screen for 20 minutes at a stretch, take a break for 20 seconds by looking at a object that is 20 feet away from you. Also blink the eyes more often. You could also get some computer or mobile App that reminds you to take breaks.
7. Last, but not the least, you should take care of a good balanced diet, daily exercise, one hour of outdoor activity daily (especially for children) and a good night sleep for 6-8 hours.
8. Avoid using digital screen at-least two hours before going to bed.
9. If, after doing the above you still have issues with your eyes, please see a doctor.
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